The interior is stuffed to about 1 1/2" thick, while the trim is about 2 1/2" thick. Made with a tight single crochet (sc) stitch, it’s built to last, and—depending on the yarn you use—is machine wash- and dryable (gentle cycle).

Making your own minipack of pups just got easier. In Felt Dogs, a new book by master needle-felter Mitsuki Hoshi, clear step-by-step instructions are provided, with charming photos to entice you to try your hand at this latest DIY craze. The book is due out in April from Laurence King Publishing and is available on Amazon.

Who knew that creating personalized fabrics could be so easy? Anything that can be printed on paper can be printed on fabric, and the possibilities are endless. Put your favorite photo or drawing—of your dog, naturally—on a pillow or quilt, or make a nifty gift wrap. For a festive room decoration, sew or hang small cloth squares on a wide ribbon, à la Mexican papel picado. You can even print on silk—how sweet it is to have a scarf with your pup’s picture on it.

It’s like magic. Something old becomes new again. I have always been enchanted by this process of transformation, even before it became known as recycling and was recognized as good for the environment. As a child, I made milk cartons into doll houses and lunchboxes into pocketbooks. Paperclips became jewelry and my father’s old neckties became bracelets and belts. Now, when I make things for my dog, this is the creative process.

Crafty dog lovers will find lots to inspire them in Mike Spears’ new book, Silly Dog Toys, which includes 12 easy projects. Safety first: Spears notes that it’s important to use materials that have not been soiled or coated with toxic substances, and that it’s also essential to supervise your pup’s play—or better yet, play with her. We couldn’t agree more! The Handy Tugger will satisfy the toughest of tuggers. Use different types of gloves for the tugger ends. You can also vary the tube, using socks or other materials.

The Shasta-style puppy camper started out as a labor of love and a personal challenge. I've been a woodworker for many years and I earn a living making musical instruments (well… banjos...). A few years ago, just for fun, I started making birdhouses inspired by the old Shasta and Teardrop camper trailers of the ’40s and ’50s. At a friend's urging I opened an Etsy shop, and now I can barely keep them in stock.